On Monday, Lekan Balogun was announced as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland
Senator Lekan Balogun has been announced as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State announced the appointment on Monday.
The position of Olubadan of Ibadan land became vacant on Sunday 2nd January this year.
The position became vacant due to the demise of Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji.
The approval follows a recommendation made by the Olubadan-in-Council and which was communicated to the governor recently.
Makinde, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, wished Balogun, a peaceful and eventful reign.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“The appointment is in line with the Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration, as well as the unique and time-tested tradition of our people.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Oyo State, I wish the newly confirmed Olubadan a successful reign blessed with peace and unprecedented progress.
Here are things to know about the new Olubadan- of Ibadanland, the 79-year-old Dr Lekan Balogun
Mr Balogun is from Ali-Iwo compound in Ibadan North East Local Government Area of the state.
He is a businessman who currently sits on the board of several companies with interests in oil and gas, distributive trade, management consulting, mechanized farming, and export of non-oil items, as well as travels and tourism.
The former senator was an Administrator/Head, Industrial Relations, Recruitment and Scholarships, Planning and Development units at Shell Petroleum Development Company.
He was also a Research Fellow with the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a director with Triumph Newspaper, Kano; Editor of the monthly magazine-“The Nigerian Pathfinder” as well as a Management Consultant for multinational organisations such as Leyland, Exiat Battery, and Nigerian Breweries.
He is a renowned technocrat, author, and philanthropist.
Mr Balogun represented Oyo Central senatorial district between 1999 and 2003. He served as the chairman Senate Committee on National Planning and was a member of many Senate committees such as Appropriations, Security and Intelligence, Police Affairs, and Defence (Army).
He holds a Doctorate Degree in Public Administration; Public and Social Administration and Economics from Columbus International University, Brunel University, and Manchester University all in the United Kingdom after his secondary and primary education in Oyo State.
He was a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 1992/1993 presidential election
He was also a gubernatorial candidate for the PDP in Oyo State.
Mr Balogun was Mogaji before he was promoted to the position of Ajia Olubadan decades ago.
He was also a research fellow at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State.
His younger brother, Kola Muhammed Balogun, is currently representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the red Chamber on the platform of the PDP. He defeated the late Abiola Ajimobi, immediate past governor of the state, who was the candidate of the APC in the 2019 general elections.
